Fire damages multiple row homes in West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Firefighters battled a blaze that damaged at least two row homes in West Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon.

The Philadelphia Fire Department said the fire started at 4336 Reno Street and spread to several nearby homes.

Crews responded around 4:15 p.m., and the fire was brought under control within 45 minutes.

After extinguishing the flames, firefighters used ladders to inspect the roofs of multiple homes. Officials said crews conducted at least two searches of houses from 4324 through 4336 Reno Street due to exposure concerns.

No injuries have been reported.

Several residents gathered across the street as firefighters worked, watching the response. Some appeared visibly upset, with tears in their eyes.

Officials are still working to determine how many homes were damaged and how many residents were displaced.

Edlina Thomas, a minister who was nearby at the nearby Old Jerusalem Church of the Living God, said she smelled smoke and went to the scene to make sure everyone was safe.

"We smelled the smoke and we began to pray. We don't know what they lost," Thomas said. "We don't know what it means to them."

She has already begun collecting donations for families affected by the fire.

A fire marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.